Charles Herbster, a wealthy cattle producer from Falls City and a familiar figure in Nebraska politics, is reportedly being considered for the role of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, according to Politico. Herbster, a long-time Trump ally, served as an agricultural adviser during Trump’s first term and has donated over $450,000 to support Trump’s recent campaign for the White House.
Herbster expressed his gratitude for being considered, calling it “a distinct honor” in a social media post on Tuesday. Politico reports that he is one of at least five candidates under consideration, alongside Sarah Frey, founder of Frey Farms; Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner; former Trump official Kip Tom; and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Herbster is well-known in Nebraska politics, having run for governor in 2022 with Trump’s endorsement. He finished second in the Republican primary behind Gov. Jim Pillen. During that campaign, Herbster faced accusations of misconduct, which he denied, labeling them as a “smear attack.” Despite this controversy, he has remained active in Trump’s political network, recently chairing the Rural Americans for Trump Coalition during Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign.
A millionaire businessman, Herbster has invested heavily in politics, spending $11 million on his 2022 gubernatorial campaign and contributing $452,500 to Trump-aligned political organizations since early 2023, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
If selected, Herbster would be the first Nebraskan to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture since Mike Johanns, who served under President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2007. Other notable Nebraskans who have held the role include Clayton Yeutter, who served under President George H.W. Bush; Clifford Hardin, who served under President Richard Nixon; and Julius Sterling Morton, who served under President Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century. Herbster’s ties to agriculture and his history with Trump position him as a prominent contender for the role.
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